Foreign driving licences in Norway

In Norway, separate rules apply for driving licences issued in EU/EEA countries and driving licences issued in non-EU/EEA countries. There is also a difference between the right to drive in Norway with the foreign driving licence, and the right to exchange it for a Norwegian driving licence.

As a main rule, driving licences issued in EU/EEA countries can be used in Norway for as long as they are valid, and they can be exchanged for a Norwegian driving licence without any tests. The rules for driving licences issued in non-EU/EEA countries are stricter. Driving licences from most countries outside the EU/EEA can be used in Norway for up to three months. Driving licences from only a few of these countries can be exchanged for a Norwegian driving licence, provided you pass a new practical driving test (and in some cases also a theory test) within given deadlines.

The distinction is a result of Norway’s obligation through the EEA Agreement to implement EU regulations relating to driving licences. An important principle of these regulations is mutual recognition of driving licences. Norway does not have any similar agreements with countries outside the EU/EEA.